Let us examine these two unities separately.  First we must note the

place in the epistle where these unities occur.  Both occur in the fourth

chapter.  The structure of the epistle balances seven doctrinal sections

which are found in chapters 1 to 3, with seven practical sections which

are found in chapters 4 to 6.  The complete structure of Ephesians is given

in the article Ephesians1 and should be consulted.

There is scarcely anything more important and in need of more emphasis

and repetition, than that doctrine must ever be accompanied by practice, that

walk must correspond with calling, that fruit must manifest the hidden root.

The correspondence of doctrine and practice is most happily displayed in this

epistle.  It naturally divides into its two main sections, the first three

chapters containing the great revelation, the second three chapters the

resulting exhortation.  Take a few instances by way of illustration.  To see

the whole would necessitate a most detailed structure of the epistle.

These examples will suffice for the moment.  It will be seen what a

stimulus we receive to unity when we see that the exhortation to be `fitly

joined together' as members of the One Body is but a temporal and corporeal

expression of the higher and fuller unity of the temple so marvellously

`fitly framed together'.  Or again, it is not enough that we should learn the

doctrine of the new creation and the new man; it must have some result.  The

old man with his `former conversation' (4:22) and `with his deeds' (Col. 3:9)

must be put off, otherwise the glorious doctrine remains without life.  The

exalted position of the believer in the ascended Lord, `far above all',

brings him into conflict with `principalities and powers' that are associated

with evil.  The mighty power that raised Christ from the dead is the power in

which alone he can hope to overcome these spiritual foes.  All this, and

more, is expressed in the words of Ephesians 4:1, `walk worthy'.  The word

`worthy' (axios):

`refers to a pair of scales in which, when the weights on each side are

equal, they bring or draw down (axiousi) the beam to a level or

horizontal position' (Parkhurst).

The power of His might

The power of His might and

and the principalities and powers

the principalities and powers

(1:19 -23).

This shows our doctrinal  position

This shows the corresponding

and sphere of spiritual  blessing.

conflict and spiritual foes.

The old walk ­

The old walk -- `vanity of mind';

`uncleanness'; `darkness';

`this world' (2:2).

`as fools' (4:17 -19; 5:15).

The new walk ­

The new walk -- `lowliness of

`

mind'; `in love'; `as light';

new creation' (2:10).

`circumspectly' (4:2; 5:2,8,15).

The new creation --

The old man -- put off.

The new man

-- put on (4:22 -32).

the new man (2:10-15).